The United States has reportedly refused to issue visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation ahead of his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Iranian state media reported on Monday that members of Pezeshkian’s communications team were among those denied entry documents, while the president himself and key senior officials have been authorised to travel to the United States for the UN meeting.
Pezeshkian is expected to become the highest-ranking Iranian official to visit the United States since the conflict between Washington, Israel and Iran began in February.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA described the visa decisions as an “unprecedented hostile move” by the US administration.
“In an unprecedented hostile move by the US government, (US President Donald) Trump has denied US visas to certain members of the president’s high-level delegation, including members of his communications team,” IRNA reported.
The Mehr news agency also reported the visa denials, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency. It said Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
The United States has approved the core Iranian delegation’s attendance at the UN gathering, but Washington has imposed restrictions on their activities while they are in the country. The State Department previously said the delegation would face limits on movement and would be prohibited from purchasing luxury and certain other goods.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday evening and travelled to Qatar as part of his journey to New York.
The UN visit comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Iran also seeking diplomatic channels over the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for international oil and gas shipments.
Iran has said it communicated conditions to the United States through Qatar for reopening the strategic waterway, while Washington has imposed its own measures against Iranian ports.
The latest visa dispute adds another point of tension ahead of the UN General Assembly, where Pezeshkian is expected to address the international community while the conflict and negotiations between the two countries remain ongoing.
The US decision to allow Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi into the country is linked to Washington’s obligations as host of the United Nations, while the Iranian delegation will operate under restrictions during its stay.
Source: AFP
